But that’s only since Memorial Day weekend, when a swollen river inundated his home, resulting in more than $50,000 in damage. Dr. Martinez’s waterfront property is on the banks of the Blanco River, which crested at an estimated 41.5 feet, nearly 30 feet above flood stage, according to news reports.

Beyond the damage to the property, there was the substantial problem of meeting daily expenses during the cleanup and recovery. That is where the ADA Foundation came in.

The ADA Foundation last month awarded an Emergency Disaster Assistance Grant for $2,000 to Dr. Martinez in the wake of historic and catastrophic flooding in the state. ADA Foundation emergency grant funds are limited to meeting victims’ most urgent and vital needs immediately following a disaster. Emergency grants are not intended for more long-term needs such as rebuilding homes and buildings or replacing household and personal belongings. Grant funds also cannot be used to replace lost income.

Dr. Martinez and his wife Pam had nearly two feet of water throughout their one-story home, and the Emergency Disaster Grant addressed their immediate needs.

“We were tickled to death that the ADA Foundation would help us,” Dr. Martinez said. “It really lightened my heart. I’m in the best profession in the world.”

Dr. Martinez learned about the grant in an item in the ADA News. Even though dentists need not be ADA members to receive the grants, he said he was a proud member of the Association since day one.

“Bad things can happen to anyone at any time, even to those of us who spend our lives caring for others,” said Dr. Reneida E. Reyes, ADA Foundation president. “We all may need a helping hand at some point, and knowing that others care enough to provide that assistance is comforting. That’s why the ADA Foundation’s Emergency Disaster Assistance Grants are so important. Not only do they provide $2,000 in immediate assistance in the aftermath of a disaster, but they also are very symbolic of the support network that is organized dentistry. This is a program in which our profession can take pride.

The purpose of the ADA Foundation disaster grants is to provide a small measure of immediate financial assistance to eligible dentists who are victims of a disaster.

Inundated: Dr. Brian Martinez’s home in Wimberley, Texas suffered more than $50,000 in damage during flooding over Memorial Day weekend.

Emergency grants are to address the following immediate needs:

Food

Bottled water

Clothing

Blankets

Medicine and medical supplies

Emergency shelter

Toiletries

The grant amount for any applicant may be in an amount up to $2,000. The dollar amount and number of grants made will depend on the number of applicants and the amount of funds available at any given time.

The applicant may obtain an application form on the ADA Foundation website at adafoundation.org. All requests for grants shall be made within 60 days of the occurrence of the disaster.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Cathy Haibach at the ADA Foundation by email at haibachc@ada.org or by calling 1-312-440-2547. Information is also available on the ADA Foundation’s website: adafoundation.org.